Becoming a nationally certified medical interpreter

By John Park

There is a large demand for bilingual professionals in the field of medical interpretation in Southern California. A medical interpreter is a rewarding job. You make a competitive income and help people as well. It is a freelance job. You don't have a boss, no investment is required, all you need is your bilingual background and you simply complete a 60-hour training program in medical interpretation.

A freelance certified medical interpreter is paid about $30-50 an hour, depending on the job. One way to become a nationally certified medical interpreter is to be admitted to the LA Institute of Translation and Interpretation program, receive a certificate of 60-hour medical training, and then, since LA Institute of Translation and Interpretation is registered with International Association of Medical Interpreters, you are qualified to take their test and become nationally certified. There are many agencies that refer jobs for medical interpreters, and you can make between $30,000-55,000 a year, depending on what medical center you work for, your experience and credentials. According to the Bureau of Labor statistics in 2008, the middle 50 percent of medical interpreters earned from $28,900 to about $52,200 annually. The school also has a subsidiary company that refers jobs to medical interpreters.

The instructor Anabella Tidona has BS from University of Buenos Aires, Argentina, a Diploma in Conference Interpreting and is a California Court Certified Spanish interpreter. She has worked as a Spanish medical interpreter for Cedars Sinai Medical Center and Venice Family Clinic.

LA Institute of Translation and Interpretation is conveniently located in downtown Los Angeles and parking is free. Classes start at the beginning of September. For more information, call 866-327-1004 and ask for Jeremy.